Undocumented Students

An undocumented student refers to students born outside of the United States, but who have lived in the country for a significant portion of their lives, and reside in the United States without the legal permission of the federal government.

Can I go to Joliet Junior College if I am Undocumented or have DACA?

Yes you can! As long as you meet the requirements and have been admitted to JJC. Please follow the directions below under Applying for Admissions.

Residency Policy Change

In August 2014, Joliet Junior College's Board of Trustees revised our Residency Policy Reference No. 3.2.1-3.2.5 to be inclusive of our non-citizen applicants. The adoption of the revised policy allowed for undocumented students whom have resided in District 525, thirty days prior to the start of the term to be charged in-district tuition and fees rather than international student rates, making college more accessible and affordable.

Applying for Admissions

Undocumented Students fill out the paper application (PDF) -Please leave the social security field empty – do not make up a number or use your ITIN number. Joliet Junior College will give you an assigned number once you submit the proper documentation into our office. Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals(DACA)students fill out the paper application (PDF) please put your assigned Social Security Number in the social security field on the paper application.

Joliet Junior College Core Values- Respect & Inclusion

Advocates respect and inclusion for every individual and pledges to promote and recognize the diverse strengths of its employees and students, and to value and celebrate the unique attributes, characteristics, and perspectives of every individual.

On September 5, 2017, President Trump directed the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to phase out and eventually end Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) over two and half years. This means that, as of September 5, 2017:

USCIS will continue to process all pending INITIAL applications ACCEPTED as of September 5, 2017.

USCIS will reject all other new INITIAL applications. • USCIS will continue to process all pending RENEWAL applications that have already been filed.

USCIS will continue to accept and process RENEWAL applications until October 5, 2017 from applicants whose DACA expires between September 5, 2017 and March 5, 2018. DACA recipients whose DACA has already expired are no longer eligible to renew.

USCIS will reject all INITIAL and RENEWAL applications received after October 5, 2017.

IMPORTANT: Individuals with a current, unexpired grant of DACA will continue to hold DACA until it expires. This means that current DACA recipients maintain their protection from deportation and work permit until their current expiration date. USCIS will not refer DACA recipients and applicants to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation unless they meet USCIS’ Notice to Appear guidance or post a risk to national security or public safety. Applicants with currently pending and processing applications should attend biometrics appointments and respond to any requests for additional evidence they receive from USCIS.

If you are eligible to renew under the above guidelines, you should do so immediately and file with enough time for your application to be delivered to and accepted by USCIS by October 5, 2017. Renewal applications must be accepted (and not just postmarked) by October 5, 2017 to ensure that your application is processed. For the latest information, please visit Immigrant Legal Resource Center (ILRC).

D.A.L.E. - Dreamers Advancing in Leadership and Education

Created in 2015, DALE is housed in the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA), this support group was created with undocumented student and allies, to provide a safe place to raise awareness of undocumented, immigrant student experiences, to connect students to resources and disseminate important scholarship information, and empower students to develop their leadership skills.

This workshop is offered to JJC faculty advisors and counselors to bring awareness about the challenges experienced by undocumented students at JJC. Offered by the Counseling Department and the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

Undocumented Student Task force

Founded in 2013, this task force primary function is to identify barriers to access and completion and establish equitable policies and procedures for undocumented students at Joliet Junior College. Members of this taskforce include the following areas: Admissions, Financial Aid, Registration, Department of Adult Education and Literacy, Workforce Development, Dean of Students, Dean of Enrollment Management, and the Vice-President of Student Development.

Counseling Office- confidential help for students when needed

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA)

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs provides outreach, academic guidance, cultural resources, and leadership opportunities to enhance the educational experience and facilitate the academic and personal growth of underrepresented students. OMSA is committed to creating a campus climate that is inclusive to all students. OMSA staff are knowledgeable in connecting undocumented students to valuable resources, scholarship information and personal support. Advising services are also available in Spanish.

United We Dream- The DREAM Educational Empowerment Program (DEEP) is a catalyst for educational justice and empowerment for immigrant students. DEEP educates, connects, and empowers immigrant students, parents and educators to close the opportunity gap and engage in local efforts to improve educational equity. DEEP seeks to lay the groundwork that advances the educational justice movement in the U.S. by focusing resources and research on the needs and realities of immigrant students in order to increase educational attainment rates.

Legal Protections

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act

Illinois TRUST Act (SB 31)

The Illinois TRUST Act recently extended protections for undocumented Illinois residents. This act prevents Illinois law enforcement agencies and officials from detaining an individual based solely on an "immigration hold." Also under this act, local police cannot stop, search, or arrest anyone based on their immigration or citizenship status.

Outreach/Community Opportunities

High School Undocumented Pathway to College Workshops

Workshops are designed to assist high school undocumented students apply for admission and scholarships at Joliet Junior College. If you would like a workshop at your high school, please contact the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) at 815.280.6709

Dreaming for the Future Annual Scholarship Benefit

Established in 2013, this student-led annual event hosted by Joliet Junior College's Latinos Unidos Club in collaboration with the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs and Joliet Junior College Foundation, seeks to not only create an awareness of the plight of undocumented students, but also, raise funds for scholarships that are open to undocumented students.

Joliet Junior College Scholarships

Undocumented students are eligible to apply for JJC Scholarships available through the JJC Foundation. The scholarship application opens up in January with a deadline of May 1st every year. To apply, visit the Joliet/AwardSpring scholarships page.

Visit the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs (OMSA) to learn about upcoming Scholarship Seeker Series Workshops offered to undocumented students.

Scholarships created to support undocumented students at Joliet Jr. College:

Dr. L. Claude Aschinberg Annual Scholarship

Latinos Unidos Scholarships supported by annual Dreaming for the Future Scholarship. Benefit held in May every year.

Carlos Serrato Multicultural Scholarship

To donate to these scholarships, please visit the JJC Giving page. Make sure in the comment section you write the name of the scholarship you would like to donate to. There are many ways you can contribute.